Raising capital is the most basic of all business activities, but it may not be easy; in fact, it is often a complex and frustrating process. However, if you have studied and planned effectively, raising money for your business will go as smoothly as possible.

Finding the Money You Need

There are several sources to consider when looking for financing. It is important to explore all of your options before making a decision.

Personal savings: The primary source of capital for most new businesses comes from savings and other personal resources. While credit cards are often used to finance business needs, there are usually better options available, even for very small loans.

Friends and relatives: Many entrepreneurs look to private sources such as friends and family when starting out in a business venture. Often, money is loaned interest-free or at a low interest rate, which can be beneficial when getting started.

Banks and credit unions: The most common sources of funding, banks and credit unions, will provide a loan if you can show that your business proposal is sound.

Angel Investors and Venture capital firms: These individuals and firms help expanding companies grow in exchange for equity or partial ownership.

A source of venture capital is the SBA's Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program. SBICs, licensed and regulated by the SBA, are privately owned and managed investment firms that use their own capital, plus funds borrowed at favorable rates with an SBA guarantee, to make venture capital investments in small businesses.

Articles on Using Credit Cards for Capital

• Benefits of Business Plastic
• Why it Pays to Put Capital Expenditures on Your Card
• Choosing a Business Card

It is often said that small businesses face difficulty borrowing money, but this is not necessarily true. Banks make money by lending money. However, the inexperience of many small business owners in financial matters often prompts banks to deny loan requests. Requesting a loan when you are not properly prepared suggests to your lender that you are a high risk.

To successfullly obtain a loan, you must be prepared and organized. You must know exactly how much money you need, why you need it, and how you will pay it back. You must be able to convince your lender that you are a good credit risk.

Generally, a short-term loan has a maturity of up to one year. These include working ­capital loans, accounts receivable loans and lines of credit.

Long-term loans have maturities greater than one year but usually less than seven years. Real estate and equipment loans may have maturities of up to 25 years. Long-term loans are used for major business expenses such as purchasing real estate and facilities, construction, durable equipment, furniture and fixtures, vehicles, etc.

SBA loan programs are intended to encourage long-term small business financing, but actual loan maturities are based on the ability to repay, the purpose of the loan proceeds, and the useful life of the assets financed. However, maximum loan maturities have been established: twenty-five years for real estate; up to ten years for equipment (depending on the useful life of the equipment); and generally up to seven years for working capital. Short-term loans are also available through the SBA to help small businesses meet their short term and cyclical working capital needs.

Read the Small Business Administration's "The Benefits of Making Your Banker Your Friend"

A well-written loan proposal contains:

General Information

• Business name, names of principals, Social Security number for each principal, and the business address
• Purpose of the loan - exactly what the loan will be used for and why it is needed
• Amount required - the exact amount you need to achieve your purpose
  

Business Description

• History and nature of the business - details of what kind of business it is, its age, number of employees and current business assets
• Ownership structure - details on your company's legal structure
  

Management Profile

• Develop a short statement on each principal in your business, provide background, education experience, skills and accomplishments.
  

Market Information

• Clearly define your company's products as well as your markets.
• Identify your competition and explain how your business competes in the marketplace.
• Profile your customers and explain how your business can satisfy their needs.
  

Financial Information

• Financial statements - balance sheets and income statements for the past three years. If you are starting out, provide a projected balance sheet and income statement.
• Personal financial statements on yourself and other principal owners of the business
• Collateral you are willing to pledge as security for the loan
  

Related Information

Read the Small Business Administration's "How to Prepare a Loan Package"

Read the Small Business Administration's "Never Take No for an Answer - (When the Bank Says No)"

• Have you invested savings or personal equity in your business totaling at least 25 percent to 50 percent of the loan you are requesting? Remember, no lender or investor will finance 100 percent of your business.
• Do you have a sound record of credit-worthiness as indicated by your credit report, work history and letters of recommendation? This is very important.
• Do you have sufficient experience and training to operate a successful business?
• Have you prepared a loan proposal and business plan that demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to the success of the business?
• Does the business have sufficient cash flow to make the monthly payments?

Whether you are looking for a long-term loan for machinery and equipment, a general working capital loan, a revolving line of credit, or a microloan, the SBA has a financing program to fit your needs.

For additional in-depth information on the financing programs available through the SBA visit the Financing Your Business section of the SBA's main web site.